Author: Liz Gorman, Emily Pickering

Client: Private Client

This HIS was prepared on behalf of our client for submission in objection to development on a neighboring property. 

Our client’s heritage listed residence ‘Park Mount’ is historically significant in both fabric and setting.

John and James Colley arrived in the colony of NSW in 1841 from Ireland, settled in Kiama in 1843 and soon became fairly successful cedar cutters and builders. Other members of the family soon followed, including William John Colley in 1845. Many families staged their settlement, finding employment on established estates, to gain essential experience and funds, before buying land. The Colley family came from Loughquile, County Antrim, in the northeast coastal area of Ireland. 

William John Colley purchased the land for Park Mount during the redistribution of land at a time when confidence was returning to the rural economy. It was offered for sale at 50 shillings per acre, but suburban lots were created of 10 acres 1 rood each.  William purchased 4 suburban lots on 30 May 1848, Nos. 47, 49, 51 and 52 of the parish, with his brother Hugh purchasing No. 48 and 50 at a slightly later date.